3 Top Natural Bridges in Illinois You MUST See Before they Collapse

1. Look Ma’ No Handrails!

Pomona Natural Bridge – You might want to hold your kids hand as you cross this one. Pomona Natural Bridge is arguably the best natural bridge in the state of Illinois. Located near the sleepy town of Pomona, a short 1/3 mile hike takes you to the base of a sandstone bluff where you can look upon the expanse for yourself. Out of all the bridges and arches in Illinois this is the only one that truly looks like it could be used as a bridge.

2. Ring the Bell, It’s Time to Explore

Bell Smith Springs Natural Bridge – This is the granddaddy of all natural bridges and arches in Illinois. Bell Smith Springs is easily one of the most beautiful recreational areas in Southern Illinois. Surrounded by sandstone bluffs and one of the clearest streams in the Shawnee Hills, this one definitely needs to be near the top of your “To-See List”.

3. Lost in the Garden, Again?

Garden Arch – Hundreds of people will pass by this arch on the weekends and never realize it exists. Located in the Shawnee National Forest on the way to the popular Observation Trail of the Garden of the Gods Recreational Area, this massive arch lies mere feet off the road. To find the arch, look for the first pull-out on your way to the Observation Trail. The arch is along the bluff on the right side of road.

Did You Know That There are at Least 16 Bridges/Arches in Illinois?

Destination Hiking at its BEST!!!

Get Out and Explore them all with our New 70 Page Ebook

The Natural Bridges and Arches of Southern Illinois.

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Southern Illinois is one of the most beautiful areas in the Midwest. With its huge sandstone bluffs and one-0f-a-kind rock formations, this is a lot to explore and our newest ebook helps you do just that.

With your limited time off, you want to see the BEST THAT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HAS TO OFFER. That is where The Natural Bridges and Arches of Southern Illinois comes into play. Inside this eBook are 16 Natural Bridges and Arches that will surely get you outside and see just how special Illinois is.

About Gary Marks

Explore - Photograph - Live. Three words that describe my love of nature. These photos and articles are my small attempt to bring to others the great "undiscovered" beauty of Southern Illinois and beyond. It is my hope that you will view this website and leave with a better understanding of the area and will motivate you to get outside where ever you live and explore your own backyard.

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